Sports Physicals

What is a sports physical for school athletes?

Before a student joins a sports team at school or during their free time, they typically are required to have a sports physical. A sports physical is a routine health check to determine if a student's health will allow them to compete in athletic activities. The physician will review their medical history, any current medications, and complete a physical exam. The doctor may inquire about their previous injuries or conditions. The goal of the sports physical is to ensure the athlete is healthy and fit, to compete safely, and their vital signs, strength, and flexibility will be assessed.

How is a sports physical different from an annual checkup?

An annual checkup is a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s growth and development, including screening for chronic conditions, assessing emotional well-being, and ensuring long-term wellness. A sports physical is different because it focuses on fitness, endurance, and conditions that can affect an athlete’s performance, while safely avoiding injuries.

Who needs a sports physical before joining school sports?

If they plan to try out for a team or play a sport, students should get a sports physical before the season begins, and it's typically required by schools and many athletic programs. They want to confirm the student is physically fit and healthy enough to safely participate during games and practice.

When should school athletes schedule a sports physical?

Scheduling student sports physicals early, before the season begins, is a good idea. It gives families the time to complete forms that are required, gives physicians time to review any test results, and address health concerns, so deadlines for the sports physical paperwork are met before athletic tryouts.

What happens if a health issue is found during the sports physical?

If a health concern is discovered during a student’s sports physical, the doctor might request additional testing or send the student to a medical specialist or suggest follow-up care. Treatment may be needed or may include temporary restrictions before returning to play team sports. The doctor’s goal is to prevent complications and ensure the student is healthy enough to safely participate.

Can a school athlete use their annual physical instead of a sports physical?

An annual physical that a student has already had may not meet the specific criteria to play school sports. Athletes need a separate sports clearance to ensure they don’t have any serious health risks. These two types of physicals serve different purposes. It's wise to check with the student’s school and not assume that their annual physical can replace a sports physical.

If you need to know where to get a sports physical for your child or teen, call us at Portland Urgent Care. We can schedule and perform a thorough sports physical with a combination of screenings. Our experienced urgent care physician will review their medical history, past injuries, genetic family health issues, medications, and any chronic conditions they have. They also check heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, posture, balance, and strength.  A general review of their ears, throat, and abdomen may be completed to see if any underlying issues might affect their sports performance or safety.

Do school athletes need a sports physical every year?

Even if a student passed last year’s sports physical, variations occur in growth, fitness, and with previous injuries. Athletes usually need a sports physical annually to document that they are healthy and can safely compete. These sports physicals help coaches and healthcare providers catch potential health concerns so students are able to meet the demands of their chosen sport.